Would a Brother Kiss You Like That?

by LMEM

Based on the HBO "I can be your family" scene in Season 3. Arya and Gendry are with the Brotherhood Without Banners. Arya reacts when Gendry tells her that he will not accompany her to Riverrun, but will instead join the Brotherhood. She is obviously not pleased.

19. Chapter 19 Leadership Conference

."Would a Brother Kiss You Like That?"

Chapter 19 – Leadership Conference

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Notes:

At last! The Stark bannermen have arrived at Winterfell and the conference to determine who should lead the kingdom will be decided. There are two candidates for 'Queen in the North' and a variety of opinions as to who should fill the role. What will happen?

Lady Myranda Royce keeps finding ways to make mischief, and I cannot seem to avoid giving in to the naughty wench's demands for attention. I may have to distract her somehow before she really causes trouble for the Stark sisters.

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Previously:

After a pause, Lord Royce added, "There is another matter before us now. What of Lady Sansa's claim to rule the North? The Lords of the Vale hold Houses Tully and Stark in high esteem and are most concerned with direction of the North now that the Boltons have been deposed."

The Greatjon stepped forward and all eyes turned to him. "Following the death of her mother, the wolf princess requested that I, as her lord father's most senior bannerman, take the role of spokesman for House Stark at the present time. I advocate that any discussions concerning who shall become the ruler in Winterfell should include all the surviving vassals of the House, including the chieftains of the mountain clans."

Ravens had been dispatched to the various noble Houses of the North, announcing the leadership conference planned for Winterfell. Messengers had begun the long ride to the holdfasts of the mountain clans to inform them of the results of the battle, as the chieftains did not have maesters or ravens. Lord Umber sighed as he considered that it would require at least one turn of the moon to gather all the necessary participants.

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Winterfell

Following the feast, a well-rested Lady Arya woke up alone in her bed, assuming that Gendry had slipped away at first light to avoid the embarrassment of being caught leaving her chambers. The wolf princess's handmaidens assisted her to freshen up and she met her shield in the Great Hall to break their fast, observing that he smelled clean and was also freshly bathed. Gendry's skin was ruddy as though from exercise, and he stated with a grin, "I have gone for a morning run to improve my endurance, milady, just as you suggested."

Arya laughed, her eyes sparkling, and she japed, "I do approve of your motivation, for I am concerned that you do not pant over me when we exercise together. I do not want you to suffer the fate of Lady Myranda Royce's husband." Randa found much amusement in relating to selected listeners that, as a youthful bride briefly wed to a much older man, her spouse had passed away whilst on top of her and inside her. She had been tickled that Arya snorted like a veteran soldier when she heard the tale herself.

Whilst waiting for the bannermen to arrive, Arya had the leisure time to show Gendry around her home, including the stables, the huge old weirwood tree by the pond that had been her lord father's favorite place to relax. She recalled sitting on his lap and helping him to polish Ice. Her eyes became moist as she related the memory and Gendry kissed the top of her head affectionately. Finally, she took him down into the dark and lesser known ancient passageways underneath the castle that led to the steam bath. "Geothermal springs keep the walls of the castle warm, even in winter," Arya explained, and showed Gendry the pool of water heated by that subterranean energy source. The chamber was like a partially finished cave; two of the walls were carved smooth from a stonemason's chisels and two were rough and jagged, representing the untouched original cave. The ceiling was also irregular and unfinished. The sides and bottom of the pool and the apron around it were smooth and polished though, and a bench had been carved out of the stone beneath the surface of the water. The air was warm and moist and steam rose from the clear water in a most inviting way.

The young couple quickly stripped down to their smallclothes and waded in, descending down the stairs which were conveniently carved into the wall of the pool. It was deep enough for Gendry to stand upright with his head and chest out of the water. They swam about becoming familiar with the heat and Arya moved towards Gendry. He took her hands and began to rotate, spinning her slowly in circles as she grinned with delight. He let her go and she floated all the way to the wall. Arya swam back to him and climbed upon his back. Gendry helped her to stand on his shoulders and then asked, "Ready?"

"Ready!" she responded eagerly. He tossed her into the air, not too high because of the low ceiling, and she landed with a splash and a shriek. The wolf girl crawled up his body to be thrown twice more, then put her arms around his massive chest and gazed up at his face, murmuring, "Remember when we played like this in the pool near the Hollow Hill?"

Gendry's eyes glittered, "Aye. It was much fun. But what I remember most was the way your teats pressed against your wet undershirt. I had not become familiar with your breasts yet."

Arya returned a lustful expression, raising her upper body out of the water, displaying the same sight he was recalling. "And now you have seen them," she purred, her grey eyes wide and inviting as she lifted her arms. Gendry seized the hem of the undershirt and raised it over her head, yanked it off and threw it on the apron. Her breasts vibrated when he pulled the garment off and he immediately cupped them in his large gentle hands. Arya sighed and he lowered his face to take one teat into his mouth and bite the pointed tip as he began to pinch the other one. Arya moaned again and pressed her groin against him. Gendry's cock stiffened and he returned the pressure. They thrust their loins against each other rhythmically and Gendry started to groan as he began nipping both her breasts, rapidly moving his mouth from one to the other and slowly lowering one hand to fondle her mound. Finally, Arya panted urgently, her head thrown back and her eyes squeezed closed, "Gendry, I need you! Please kiss me there!"

He lifted her up to sit on the edge of the pool and rapidly removed her smallclothes. Spreading Arya's ivory thighs and gazing at her secret place, Gendry licked his lips and replied, "As you wish, milady," then dove in to give his liege lady the pleasure she desperately craved.

As Arya writhed and moaned, her fingers tangled in his hair, Gendry stroked her thighs and mound as he dedicated his tongue to her desires. At that moment another pair of castle residents, eager for a steam bath, quietly turned the corner of the entrance hallway. Randa was the first to spy the absorbed couple and immediately turned to Sansa, dramatically placing her finger over her mouth. Sansa slowly moved forward to see what had caught her companion's attention and her eyes went wide in shock. "We should go!" she softly hissed and made to leave.

"Nae! This is a golden opportunity!" Randa replied firmly and grabbed her arm. "Come on!"

Sansa could not help but stare at Gendry's head bobbing between her sister's thighs as he emitted satisfied slurping noises, and Arya's quivering breasts as her cunny throbbed against his face, her head thrown back and her mouth wide open and moaning with obvious pleasure. "We should not be here," she weakly protested.

Randa shook her head impatiently and started to unlace her gown, "This is too good an opportunity to waste! Get undressed!"

Sansa looked horrified, "Nae! I could not!"

"You are as shy as a septa," Randa snorted, "Well, keep your smallclothes on then."

As engrossed in their activity as they were, the lovers suddenly detected movement behind them and paused, looking about. Gendry lifted his dripping mouth to stare at the unexpected sight: Lady Myranda Royce was sauntering boldly to the stairs of the pool, completely nude, her marvelous ivory breasts swinging side to side, her wide hips swaying, and her triangular mound prominent and covered in thick dark curls. Sansa Stark timidly crept behind her, clad in her modest smallclothes. "Don't mind us," Randa grinned, catching Arya's eyes, "we only require a steam bath. Just go on with what you were doing."

Arya had slipped down into the water as soon as Gendry had raised his head and she became aware that they had company. She was even more self-conscious when she realized that her sister had witnessed the intimate act and her nudity. "What should we do?" she whispered to her shocked and motionless companion, whose eyes were glued to the large brown teats centered on the older woman's impressive bosom.

Randa had descended partway down the stairs, her eyes fixed on Gendry's torso. She was delighted that the water was somewhat clear and her goal had been achieved. "Oh ho!" she exclaimed, "So the rumors are true, Lady Arya! I believe that your knight may be the most well-endowed man in Winterfell! You are certainly fortunate!"

Gendry had been partially aroused as he lapped at his beloved wolf girl, but the sight of Lady Myranda's swinging breasts and voluptuous figure had involuntarily brought him to maximum tumescence. As his remarkable manhood extended horizontally from his groin barely below the surface of the water, Randa had an excellent view of it. Sansa was gaping and had halted on the steps, stunned by the sight of Gendry's cock.

Randa smirked at her, "Close your mouth, Sansa dear, unless you were hoping that this marvelous lad might fill it for you."

Brought back to earth, Sansa realized that she had been staring and blurted out, "Oh my!" covering her face with her hands. She quickly waded to the far corner of the pool and crouched down, wishing she was invisible.

Gendry was also shaken back into reality by Randa's words and he shouted, "That's it! Milady, we should leave now!" He jumped up to the apron and reached down to take Arya's hand and pull her out of the water, intending to flee as soon as they were dressed.

Now the visitors had a perfect view of Gendry's immense and swaying cock, and Randa proclaimed reverently, "By the gods! I have been blessed!" Turning to Arya, she pleaded, "My lady, could you be prevailed upon to share this magnificent specimen?! He is simply irresistible!"

Arya's expression grew dark with jealousy and possessiveness, "Nae! He is mine and mine only!" She grabbed Gendry's hand and he yanked her out water. The agitated couple strode to their pile of clothes, hastily dressed and departed.

"More's the pity," Randa sighed in disappointment as they disappeared around the corner, lowering her shoulders gracefully below the surface to enjoy the warm water, her buoyant breasts floating languidly, "I'll wager that the lad could have given both of us an exquisite servicing."

"Lady Myranda!" Sansa recovered from her shock, "Please stop! I do not want to entertain such thoughts!"

But Randa was not to be distracted, "Mayhaps we can ask Harry to do the job tonight, eh, Sansa? I believe we are both in need of a good bedding now."

Sansa merely groaned, "Randa, are you a demon sent to fill my head with inappropriate notions?"

"Now that you mention it, sweetling," Randa smirked, "not intentionally. But I do find it amusing how easy it is to embarrass you." She waded closer to Sansa and started to tickle her ribs, and the demure maiden giggled and blushed, halfheartedly fighting off Randa's hands, thinking how somehow even this was improper. The innocent girl was most confused, especially because she realized that she actually liked being tickled by Randa.

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The victors survived the celebration feast although more than a few of the merry-makers required several days to recover due to an excess of indulgence in carousing. Over the next few weeks a stream of Stark bannermen trickled into the castle, gathering from all corners of the vast kingdom. Lords Umber, Reed, and Galbart Glover of Deepwood Motte, as well as Lady Mormont were already present, and Cley Cerwyn, who lived but one day's ride south of Winterfell, was the first to arrive. During the following days, pinched-faced Lady Barbrey Dustin of Barrowton, widow of Lord William Dustin and daughter of Rodrik Ryswell, Lord of the Rills, formerly an ally of Roose Bolton, entered the gates, as well as loyal and wealthy Wylis Manderly of White Harbor, so fat that he was required to travel in a wheelhouse, as not a horse alive, be it garron or destrier, could bear him without breaking its back, and an aurochs would move too slowly. Lyessa Flint, the Lady of Widow's Watch, whose son Robin died at the Red Wedding, was next. Her House, located on the lonely peninsula of Flint's Finger, usually agreed with the opinions of their closest neighbors, the Manderlys. Ondrew Locke, Lord of Oldcastle, a noble so elderly that he appeared as a dead man walking, tottered out of his wheelhouse, and Eddara Tallhart of Torrhen's Square, the daughter of the slain Ser Helman Tallhart, and eldest member of that ill-fated House, arrived in hers. Morgan Liddle was already present, and Black Donnel Flint and Hugo Wull the Younger, representing the numerous mountain clans, were the last to join the guest list.

The Greatjon considered how to handle the Karstarks and the Ryswells, the Houses that had allied themselves with Roose Bolton and had been humbled by his defeat. He had discussed the matter with Arya previously and asked, "Should they be given a voice?" He advised that they should definitely be invited to the conference as an symbol of forgiveness and an attempt to make peace with all the Houses of the North. There were three 'honored guests' representing these Houses residing at Winterfell: Alys Karstark, the heir to her deceased father, Lord Rickard, and Cregan Karstark, the older son of Arnolf Karstark, Lord Rickard's uncle and presently acting as the head of the House. Roger Ryswell, the eldest son of Lord Rodrik Ryswell of the Rills, was also present. When addressed, these individuals reaffirmed their loyalty to House Stark and stated that in any case, they represented the younger generation and had not participated in the hostilities, save for Cregan Karstark. It was understood that Cregan's first loyalty had belonged to his lord father, and his participation in the siege of the Last Hearth was grudgingly excused because no blood had been shed after all.

The participants assembled in the Great Hall at the appointed time, and both princesses sat at the head table on the dais with Lord Umber between them. The Stark bannermen gathered at the table below them, arranged by rank, with the members of the more prominent, larger, and richer Houses sitting closest to the front. There was a loud murmur in the Great Hall as wine and ale was served to the guests and they began to discuss amongst themselves the purpose of the conference. When it appeared that all were ready, the Greatjon stood up and rapped a fork on his silver wine goblet. Lord Umber was a large and imposing man, and impossible to ignore. It was well-known that the Umbers traditionally represented the favorite vassal House of the Stark family, and that the wolf princess had personally requested that the Greatjon stand in place of her deceased father as her mentor. If anyone in the Hall had any argument with Lord Umber taking control of the proceeding, they chose not to protest, but the jovial and sociable lord was immensely popular anyway.

The Greatjon gazed around the Hall, recognizing many familiar faces and realizing that members of almost every House of the North were present, such was the importance of the meeting. There were no Boltons in attendance; of course, as they had turned traitor and the vengeful wolf girl had seen to it that the House had no heirs. He also spotted Lord Baelish, who was participating as the ambassador of the Vale, the North's concerned ally. Littlefinger had wisely chosen a seat in the back of the Hall, close to a dark corner. Petyr was well aware that he was an unpopular figure, and did not desire to draw any unwanted attention. The bannermen had grudgingly accepted his presence as a necessary one, but since the gossip had spread through the castle as to why the volatile wolf girl had almost unceremoniously slit the throat of an unarmed man in full sight of the Stark vassals, they despised him and avoided any contact with the dishonorable Southerner. There were quite a few devoted admirers of Lady Arya who would not have hesitated to slit Baelish's throat themselves if they had the opportunity, and the Lord Protector of the Vale made sure never to travel anywhere, even to the privy, without the company of at least one of his three personal sellswords.

Lord Umber's gaze shifted to the princesses seated on either side of him. They were obviously very different. Lady Sansa was so exquisitely feminine, all soft curves and lustrous auburn hair falling almost to her waist, with enchanting Tully blue eyes, and laced into a form-fitting gown that accentuated her perfect figure. Silver dancing slippers on her delicate feet completed her wardrobe, and she seemed to glide rather than walk. Possessing almost seven and ten namedays, Lady Catelyn's older daughter was such a lovely maiden that men found it hard not to stare at her. Lady Arya, possessing two fewer namedays and whose slim athletic build made her appear even more youthful, exhibited the classis Stark look of Lord Ned, with her chestnut hair, grey eyes, and slightly toothy grin. Unlike her sister's long flowing locks, her bobbed hair just touched her shoulders, and she was dressed in a squire's leather tunic, breeches, and boots, with two well-used blades thrust into her belt. The wolf girl was naturally pretty, but she made no attempt to appear as feminine as her sister, instead choosing to look like the soldier she believed herself to be.

Lord Umber had rapped his goblet for attention, and when the Hall went silent, he announced, "I am sure that you all know the reason for this conference. Our bold wolf princess, Lady Arya Stark has led the army to victory over the immediate threat to the North and now we find ourselves at peace. Those of us who fought beside her had assumed that she was the sole surviving offspring of her parents, but recently Lady Sansa has emerged from the Vale, where she had been under the protection of her aunt, Lysa Arryn, the sister of Lady Catelyn. After her death, Lord Baelish continued to keep her safe from the Lannisters." The Greatjon paused to let that sink in, and there was some murmuring at the mention of Littlefinger. Lord Umber continued, trying to maintain an even tone and suppressing his own feelings, "As the elder sister, tradition dictates that Lady Sansa become the Lady of Winterfell, and since the Northern Houses, under the leadership of the late King Robb Stark, have declared the North to be an independent kingdom, unbeholden to the treacherous Baratheon/Lannister regime, Lady Stark would also be known as the Queen of the North."

The murmuring in the Hall grew louder, as many of the attendees angrily rejected that proposal. Lady Maege Mormont spoke up first, forcefully declaring, "The wolf girl had the audacity to muster the remaining fighters of the North, who had been stunned by the devastating losses at the Twins, and led us to victory over the hated Boltons. By the blood she has shed in our quest for freedom, Lady Arya has earned the right to be named Queen in the North!"

There were loud calls of agreement with her words, but many protests also. Hugo Wull, with Morgan Liddle and Donnel Flint flanking him, stood up, the tall and burly mountain men towering over their seated neighbors, and roughly asserted, "The mountains clans accompanied the wolf princess into battle. She is our liege lady!" Lady Lyessa Flint and Lords Howland Reed and Galbart Glover also stood up and added their voices in Arya's support.

Lord Umber tapped again for order and requested more opinions, well aware that several others had much to say. Elderly Lord Ondrew Locke struggled to his feet and Lady Barbrey Dustin stood tall with a determined expression on her face; they were to represent the traditionalist faction. Lady Dustin sniffed, "The Stark name is the oldest and noblest of all the Houses of Westeros and House Stark has followed time-honored traditions for eight thousand years, especially the principle of primogeniture."

In a quavering voice, Lord Locke added, "Primogeniture applies to the male line of the House, but sadly, all the male heirs of House Stark have perished. Therefore, succession has transferred to the ladies. Lady Sansa is the eldest daughter and it is her birthright to become the Lady of Winterfell and Queen in the North."

"The rich history of House Stark includes several Ladies and Queens who were not firstborn," Lord Cley Cerwyn interjected, "but they were often warrior queens, achieving their rank during wartime in the absence of male relatives. We are at peace now, and do not need such a leader."

Lady Dustin took up the thread again, "Prior to the family's ill-fated journey to King's Landing, I visited Winterfell often and observed Lady Catelyn's parenting, as did several others in this chamber. She stated often that she was raising young Sansa to be the lady of a Great House or even a queen of a kingdom, teaching her all the necessary skills. Her close friends and septas all agreed that the girl demonstrated remarkable talent for all the aspects of nobility from an early age. Lady Sansa's unique nature was even noticed by King Robert Baratheon and he chose her to wed his eldest son, Prince Joffrey. If Queen Cersei had not been such a scheming Lannister and her son, the prince, been such a monster, Sansa Stark this day would be Queen of all Westeros!"

Lady Eddara Tallhart and the 'honored guest' Cregan Karstark both rose from their seats and exclaimed, "Hear, hear!" in agreement, though Roger Ryswell smiled but remained silent. Lady Dustin was not finished. Nodding at the wolf princess, she stiffly continued, "I applaud Lady Arya for her accomplishments and respect her martial nature, but I must mention that Lady Catelyn privately despaired that her impertinent younger daughter would never become a proper lady, admitting that in frustration she reluctantly allowed her husband to take charge of the hoyden, raising her alongside the sons of the House. Lady Arya is a soldier, not the woman Winterfell requires as lady or queen!"

A vociferous and cacophonous discussion followed Lady Dustin's resolute assertion, as those with fixed opinions began to heatedly argue, whilst Lords Umber and Manderly observed the proceedings with sober expressions but did not join in the debate. The Greatjon appeared troubled by the amount of dissension in the Hall.

Clever Lord Wylis Manderly silently observed the raucous dispute and suddenly smiled, having hopefully thought of a solution. Banging his goblet on the high table and clearing his throat, the large man addressed the wolf princess, whom he had come to know well at White Harbor. When the crowd quieted, he began, "Lady Arya, I commend you for your achievements as a warrior. Your bannermen owe much to your intelligence in planning for battle, your courage for leading the charge, your determination in negotiating with the vanquished foe, and your endurance for suffering long marches and other hardships." He paused and Arya smiled warmly at his praise. She was still young and insecure enough to enjoy even obvious flattery. Then he pontificated, attempting to suppress the twinkle in his eye, "But now we are at peace, and the North requires its leader to be the mistress of the kingdom's royal court, to hear grievances and dispense justice in a genteel manner on a daily basis from the throne room, to serve as a proper role model for her ladies-in-waiting and maids of honor , to oversee the Lady of the North's solar and discuss the domestic concerns of the kingdom whilst drinking tea and consulting with said ladies, displaying her revered status in elegant gowns, jewelry, and hairstyles, demonstrating her noble education with song, verse, and embroidery, and lastly, to set the daily menu and supervise the kitchens as well as planning the required feasts and celebrations, and leading the dancers all night long at such events. Does that not appeal to you, my lady?"

Arya's expression had slowly changed from one of contentment with his praise to a look of horror and dread as he described what would be expected of her as 'Queen of the North'. When Lord Manderly directly addressed her, everyone turned in her direction and her distress was immediately noted by all. The Greatjon and the old She-Bear were most familiar with the wolf girl's nature and burst out laughing hysterically as soon as they glimpsed her woeful and shocked countenance. Lord Reed, Lady Royce, and Alysane Mormont started to chuckle and then joined the merriment, followed by the booming guffaws of the mountain men and the howls of the wolfsguard. At the tables in the back of the hall, the men at arms were trading rude japes about their liege lady and jocularly shoving each other as they sniggered heartily at Lord Manderly's words and the wolf girl's reaction. Finally, even Gendry and Sansa shook their heads and tittered quietly.

Wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes, Lord Umber spoke up in a light-hearted voice, "That was a fine jape, my Lord Manderly! I do not think that I have laughed so hard in a turn of the moon!" Then he addressed Arya, "What think you, wolf princess? Are you ready for a new role?"

Arya still appeared unnerved and she replied hesitantly, "Um, er, ah, I will have to think on it." More laughter erupted at her discomfort and she wished she could just disappear.

More discussion ensued, but the tone was less angry, and finally elderly Maester Luwin, the well-respected advisor to Lord Ned and his father Rickard Stark, asked the Greatjon to restore order enough for him to speak. When the wise old maester had their attention, he related, "My lords, might I suggest an unusual resolution to our problem? Mayhaps we should consider the Targaryen model of a shared monarchy. Quite often the rulers of Westeros were dragon kings and queens of equal power, usually siblings as in this case."

The Hall became quiet as the attendees gazed with curiosity at the soft-spoken maester in his voluminous grey robe, and he continued, "Suppose the North was to have two leaders, in this case with very different functions. Lady Sansa would be in charge of the castle, domestic issues, overseeing the ladies solar, and holding court for grievances and supplications raised by vassals of the kingdom. Lady Arya would serve as the military leader, deciding on war strategy for the North and leading troops into battle, protecting the realm against Ironborn and wildling invaders, and ferreting out bandits and thieves. My ladies, does this arrangement appeal to you?"

Lady Sansa appeared very thoughtful and slowly replied, "That is a very interesting idea. It is true that my lady mother did train me for such a responsibility, and I would be comfortable in that role."

Lady Arya shrugged and responded, "Tis fine with me. If I never have to wear another constricting corset and low-cut gown again it would be no loss. And I certainly dread the notion of sitting around with ladies, sewing and reciting poetry. I would rather be sparring in my breeches."

An irreverent man at arms in the back of the Hall shouted, "Aye, the men quite approve of the wolf princess in her tight breeches!"

As the sound of laughter filled the Hall again, Lady Sansa appeared perturbed and even Arya blushed, but Lady Mormont guffawed, "Even Lady Arya's sworn shield, Ser Gendry, admires his liege lady in tight breeches. Mayhaps even more so without her breeches!"

The Wolfsguard howled and the Greatjon shook his head, protesting, "That is no way to treat a lady!" Gendry's face was bright red and he actually seemed to shrink in size at the unwanted attention.

"But she is not a lady!" the Wolfsguard declared as a chorus, echoing their liege lady's familiar phrase and the merriment continued. Arya snorted and shook her head. It seemed as though even her own words could be used to torment her.

The Greatjon pounded for attention once more and he smiled, "Well, Maester Luwin has given us much to consider. The Ladies Stark will confer with their closest advisors and we will meet again tomorrow to conclude the discussion. The meeting is over for now!"

As the attention of the crowd turned back to their goblets of wine and conversation, Gendry smiled as he leaned over Arya's shoulder to murmur, "It is true, those are the words you spoke so long ago when I first said I knew you were a girl. You pushed me down and I was in love from that moment on."

"Ugh!" the warrior woman complained, "Why must you always be so sentimental and romantic?!"

Lady Sansa had been observing the pair and listening. Now she scolded her little sister, "Arya! You should be grateful for his devotion!"

"He distracts me from my purpose!" Arya scowled.

Gendry grinned, "You need distraction as I need you!" He waggled his eyebrows, "When we leave the Hall, I will really distract you!"

"Is that a promise?" the wolf girl smirked, her wrath turning quickly to lust, and Sansa just sighed.

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Arya, Sansa, the Greatjon, Howland Reed, Maege Mormont, Maester Luwin, and Myranda Royce sat around a table in Lord Ned's old solar. At first there was an ominous silence as they all reflected on the consequences of their discussion. Lord Umber led off, "Well, my ladies, do you think this will work? Are you willing to share responsibilities and not quarrel like children?"

"Sansa can do all that lady stuff. I don't want any part of that!" Arya replied sourly, "I just want to fight our enemies with whoever is willing to follow me into battle." She added with a look of distaste, "Planning a menu is not my idea of leadership."

"And yet, dear sister," Sansa placed her hand on Arya's forearm, "as Lord Manderly suggested, menus are just one example of the many requirements that defines the level of civilization demonstrated by a truly noble House. Aye, the soldiers are most necessary to defend and protect the kingdom, but what are they protecting, if not the customs, possessions, lifestyle, and very lives of the vulnerable inhabitants of the realm? The behavior of the rulers inside the castle is most important also."

Arya stared at her sister and nodded grudgingly, "You may have a point, Sansa. It's just that every time I have to wear a gown and do something formal, I get into trouble and feel ridiculous. I'd rather drink from a wineskin whilst sitting around a campfire than sharing tea and gossip with your ladies."

Ever the lady, Sansa patted Arya's forearm and smiled softly, "Mayhaps both of us can continue doing what we are most comfortable with and it will work out. Want to give it a try?"

The younger girl was cautious, "I suppose so. What have we got to lose?"

Now Sansa smiled broadly and impulsively embraced her uncouth little sister, kissing her unruly hair. Arya, embarrassed by the show of emotion, squeezed back, quickly broke the embrace, and returned Sansa's smile, self-consciously murmuring, "I like being on good terms with you."

"You are my baby sister, and I always hoped we could be friends," Sansa beamed with good humor.

The Greatjon cleared his throat, "Lady Arya, you will still be required to attend court when major issues are discussed. Your presence will be expected. Do not think that you are exempt from those obligations."

"I will attend court when it is necessary, my lord," Arya coolly replied, then added belligerently, "but do not expect me to wear a gown! I shall wear my leathers and woe to any grumpy old arsehole who dares to comment on my garb. I may stick out my tongue or stab them in the heart, depending on my mood."

"All right," Lord Umber chuckled, "I believe there will be more pressing issues than your attire, and was it not established that your retainers admire your breeches?"

"Aye," Lady Myranda brightly interjected, having found the opportunity to jest, "they do, especially her sworn shield."

There was more chuckling, and Arya complained, "Why am I always the subject of japing?"

"That is because you blush so adorably when you are angry or embarrassed, my lady," Randa smirked.

Before Arya could grumble anymore, the Greatjon spoke up again, "So It is settled. My ladies, we will announce your decision tomorrow and hopefully the bannermen will agree to serve both of you. I, for one, think this is a peaceful solution."

Observing that Maester Luwin appeared satisfied, Arya looked to the others at table, "Lady Maege, Lord Howland, what are your opinions?"

"I think that your parents would be pleased that their daughters were no longer at odds and accepted the responsibility of restoring the stability of the kingdom," Lord Reed replied thoughtfully.

"Humph!" gruff Lady Maege growled, "I suppose that we cannot expect Lady Sansa to sit a war horse or swing a sword the way you do, and I doubt that you are capable of attending a banquet or a hen party with her patience and expertise. We shall see how it goes."

An idea suddenly came to Arya's mind and she caught the Greatjon's attention, "My lord, I can think of one advantage to having two leaders. Sansa can take charge in Winterfell whilst I can journey to the Wall as I planned to do so long ago. I miss my brother Jon and yearn to see him again." She paused and nodded to Lord Reed, "There is more. My brothers are presumed to be dead, but there have been suggestions that they, along with the Reed children, escaped Ramsay's cruelty and fled to the Wall. Jon may have some news of them, and I promised to find out the truth."

Lord Reed smiled and Arya continued, turning her head and motioning for her sworn shield to step forward. She placed her hand on his forearm, "One more matter of importance. Gendry is presumed to be the unacknowledged son of Robert Baratheon and possibly the last true male survivor of his bloodline. His uncle Stannis Baratheon is presently at the Wall, assisting the Night's Watch in confronting an invasion of wildlings. If he meets Gendry, he is likely to legitimize his nephew and declare him Robert's heir."

The young armorer, now knighted, appeared uncomfortable with the attention he had drawn. Arya bit her lip and added, "Gendry has expressed that he has reservations about his possible legitimization, but he deserves it, and there are some advantages."

Lady Miranda noticed that the Greatjon, Lord Reed, and the old She-Bear were now all grinning knowingly, shifting their eyes from Arya to Gendry and back again, and the wolf girl had self-consciously lowered her own. Recalling the gossip she had heard, Randa blurted out, "Advantages? Such as your knight's right to wed you so you can have that bedding the two of you can hardly resist? I have not known you very long, Lady Arya, but even I have noticed that your maidenhead appears to be in danger every time the two of you share glances."

Now all three Stark bannermen laughed, Lady Maege smirked, "Aye, that is the gist of it," and Sansa beamed, "I will get to plan my sister's wedding!"

Arya scowled again, "Once again, I am the subject of everyone's japing! I shall take my leave now. Gendry, escort me to my chamber."

As the discomfited youngsters scurried to the door, the Greatjon could not help calling out, "Remember, no bedding before the wedding!"

#####

The follow-up conference was rather anticlimactic. The bannermen listened carefully as Lord Umber, Arya, and Sansa explained their decision. Some of the contentious vassals who had argued so vociferously the previous day frowned and raised a few questions, but there were no debates. By a general consensus the wary bannermen seemed to accept the sisters' judgment and were content to observe how they fared, at least for the nonce. Maester Luwin discerned the number of disgruntled faces as he gazed around the Hall and was content, concluding, This may actually work. The sign of a good compromise is that neither party is completely satisfied.

The Hall became quiet as the attendees pondered what they had heard and the Greatjon spoke with a small smile, "As you know, Lady Arya traveled extensively through the North gathering troops and driving the Bolton influence from our land. But the princess is a restless wolf girl, and with her sister overseeing Winterfell, she will now have the opportunity to explore the rest of the kingdom. We intend for her to briefly visit unfamiliar vassal Houses, assessing their conditions and listening to their concerns and needs. Then she will return to Winterfell to discuss the information with her sister and their advisors and decide how their bannermen can be aided."

His words drew forth looks of approval, for the promise that resources submitted as their tithe to Winterfell could soon return in the form of local assistance, satisfied the bannermen. Maester Luwin, who had been privy to the plan, was also pleased, and reflected, There is nothing like an unexpected tax rebate to engender good feelings in the populace.

#####

With the business of the leadership issue concluded, the sisters and their advisors met with the Lord Protector of the Vale. Treaties promising mutual military support in times of need were signed, and the Vale was to keep an eye on Lannister movements in the Riverlands, informing the North if they deemed action to be necessary. Littlefinger was personally more interested in trade negotiation, and after much discussion about natural resources, it was decided that Winterfell would harvest pine trees and float them down the White Knife River to White Harbor, where the valuable logs would be shipped to Gulltown. The North had vast pine forests, but cultivated croplands were limited and less fertile than those of the Vale, which had smaller forests but more bountiful croplands. The Vale had a great need for wood for construction and shipbuilding and was capable of transporting surplus foodstuffs to the North in the anticipation of hard winters.

Littlefinger was most pleased with the negotiations and smug about his part in them. His motives had been financial in nature, and he felt very successful. Prior to leaving the Vale, he had brokered a marriage between middle-aged, widowed, and childless Lord Lyonel Corbray of Heart's Home to the young and lovely daughter of a rich Gulltown merchant. Lord Corbray may have had a title and a famous home, but he much appreciated his new wife's dowry, and he was also pleased that she soon provided him with an heir. The merchant had compensated Lord Baelish well for linking his family to a noble House, and he turned the profits into shares in a fleet of merchant ships, which would now be engaged in trade between White Harbor and Gull Town. The Lords Declarant had failed to depose Littlefinger, and when Lady Waynwood and Ser Symond Templeton attended Lord Corbray's wedding, it was obvious that the clever schemer now had half his former opposition in his pocket.

Petyr also took the opportunity to buy up Lady Anya Waynwood's debts and forgave them in exchange for the right to find a worthy bride for her ward, Harrold Hardyng. Lord Baelish had originally intended to marry Harry to Sansa, but with her decision to return to the North, he had no need of her anymore. Whilst returning to the Vale from Winterfell, Littlefinger planned to ingratiate himself with 'Harry the Heir', having promised to find him a rich wife, possibly one with a few fetching handmaidens to keep him entertained. Poor sickly Robert Arryn's "shaking sickness" had been worsening, and Maester Colemon feared than even a small excess of milk of the poppy would surely bring on his death. Littlefinger would mourn publicly if such a sad event came to pass, but in any case, he would be on excellent terms with the next Lord of the Vale. Aye, life was improving for former brothel owner; he had been rewarded with rank, influence, and gold dragons. As Petyr rode through the gates of Winterfell, he smugly considered, Let them sneer, 'whoremaster', I have used that foundation to become a wealthy shipping entrepreneur and the Lord Protector of the Vale.

#####

Ser Harrold Hardyng was to leave with Littlefinger after the conference, as he was no longer needed or appreciated in the North. Lady Sansa had the protection of an army now, and as an heir to the lordship of the Vale, he had more important responsibilities than pretending to guard her. Lady Royce was to stay on as Sansa's companion and confidant, as her old friend, Jeyne Poole, was still shattered by her memories of abuse to serve in that capacity. It turned out that working and dedicating herself to her role as castle steward was her best distraction. The relationship between Sansa and Jeyne was now more professional rather than personal.

Following supper on his last night in Winterfell, Harry accompanied Sansa out of the the Great Hall, announcing that he must reluctantly say his farewells. Harry tenderly kissed her hand, appearing much less arrogant ever since the Mormont women wore him out. He had even declined to proceed to seduce the innocent scullions he had formally tempted, thinking, Mayhaps I am changing for the better.

The couple was standing in a quiet, dark hallway now, and when Harry looked up he realized that Sansa's Tully blue eyes appeared wide and inviting. Gathering his nerve, Harry requested, "My lady, might I have a kiss to remember you by?" Sansa quickly nodded as though she had entertained the very thought and moved closer to him. He held her loosely and did not grope her, sighing, "I shall miss you, Sansa."

Sansa realized that her body had responded to his touch and murmured, "I shall miss you too, Harry." Then with a husky, uncertain voice, she asked, "Harry, will you do something for me?"

Harry gazed at her lovely face and replied, "I would always try to please you, Sansa."

Sansa hesitated, blushed, and squared her shoulders, looking him directly in the eye, "Harry, I want you to give me the Lord's Kiss."

Harry's lower jaw dropped in shock at the unexpected request and he shakily answered, "If that is what you truly desire, my lady, I will happily bestow 'The Kiss'."

Ever since she witnessed her sister's frenzied response to Gendry's face in her secret place, Sansa had been consumed with curiosity about the Lord's Kiss and could not get it out of her mind. Randa had added fuel to the fire by telling her that it was 'the sweetest thing'. Sansa murmured breathily, "Come to my chambers after midnight. I shall ask Randa to sleep in her own rooms tonight." She abruptly scurried away, leaving behind a speechless Harry, his mouth wide open, already imagining how glorious the sight of Sansa's unclothed figure would be. Meanwhile, Sansa was considering which nightgown she would don for the special occasion. Excited and nervous with anticipation all at the same time, Sansa thought, Well, there is no going back now!

#####

Notes:

For my readers who think that I am being too nice to Sansa, I have a confession: As a lifelong Disney romantic, I have a weakness for SanSan shipping. It is not really my genre, but I can sympathize with it. In case you were not aware of the trivia, GRRM was a writer on a long ago romantic fantasy TV series called "Beauty and the Beast". In fact, when HBO "GoT" was casting, GRRM suggested that Ron Perlman, the "Beast" play Sandor Clegane. In any case, Sansa may be young, naïve, and self-centered, but I can't think of her as a villain.

I hope you find my unusual solution to the Queen in the North dilemma acceptable. I read a lot of Gendrya fan fiction and I can't say that I have ever seen a story go in this direction. If I have missed anything, please let me know. Thank you for continuing to read my fantasy!